California Memorial

Several people have asked us when we will be holding our California memorial for Bob.

Well -- as those who read this blog know, Katy and Scott are going to have a baby in early October. Since Katy's doctor told her that air-travel in these last weeks is not advised, we're tossing around the idea of a "memorial/life celebration" in California after the baby is born. Our idea is that this will give us a chance to see people and to exchange stories about Bob with our California friends and family and to introduce our new family member to everyone at the same time.

With that in mind, we are currently considering one day during the weekend before Thanksgiving as a possible date of the memorial/celebration. We will let you know details as they develop.

Thank you -- Verva, Katy and Sarah

Thank You

Thank you so much to everyone who was able to attend Dad's memorial service. It was so wonderful to see so many people there to remember Dad and support each other through a difficult time. For those of you unable to attend, you will be pleased to hear the church was packed, standing room only!

I also thought those of you who couldn't be there would like a look at the photoboards that were on display. Thanks to Cliff Grimm for taking pictures of them! Click on each to see it larger...





I'm not sure if anyone's still checking here, but we're probably not going to update much more. There is a printing company that can turn blogs into printed books, so that's our plan for all of Dad's writing and your wonderful comments.

Thanks again to everyone for really going above and beyond for my whole family during the past six months.

Arrangements

There will be a memorial service Thursday, July 12, 2pm, at Emerson Unitarian Church, 1900 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057, near the Galleria. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. The service will be led by Matt Tittle, Bob and Verva's minister from Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church.

If you are traveling from out of town, there are many hotels in the League City area (along Nasa Road One or Hwy 146) to be near the family, or in the Galleria Area to be near the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, Bob chose two causes near to his heart. The Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church Capital Campaign supports the building project he was deeply involved in, his last big project in retirement. The Nature Conservancy reflects his love of nature and the outdoors.

Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church
Attn: Capital Campaign
17503 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77058
(281) 488-2001 – office@bauuc.org

or

The Nature Conservancy

We are also planning a memorial celebration in California, we will share the details when they are available.

As always, thank you all for your love and support.

The Hardest Post

This morning at 9am, Dad's breathing slowed, and finally stopped. It was very peaceful and he didn't suffer. We wish there was a way to tell all of you in person, to thank you for your support, so you don't have to read this news on a cold computer screen. Your support and love and prayers have helped us through since the news in January, and we know you will continue to keep Dad in your hearts so that he will live on forever.

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"

And that is dying.

                                     Henry van Dyke

Rest in Peace, Robert Harold Densmore. 3/22/43 - 7/6/07

4th of July

Bob's heart is strong. On Monday we thought he was ready to let go and to move on but he has his own time schedule and we can only sit with him and be there when that time comes. He may be moved to an in-care hospice facility tomorrow or Friday. He's very weak and sleeps most of the time but we enjoy every lucid moment that we get. He is just amazing.

We have been reading the notes on this blog and they are uplifting. Thank you.

We feel your support

Bob started this blog to help keep his family and far-flung friends in the loop as he dealt with the harsh news of his cancer and with its treatment. I thought it was courageous of him to do this but it was his way. The support and caring we've received from everyone who checks the news has sustained us and we all thank you for each note, email, phone call, and visit.

Bob is comfortable and very peaceful. The truth is, however, I don't think Bob will be able to go home from the hospital. He may surprise us all and that wouldn't be the first time, but for now it looks like he is taking his final journey here at MDACC.

We know that many of you want to help. However, for now, there's nothing anyone can do as we are here with Bob 24-hours a day. If we do need help, we promise to ask.

Either the girls or I will let you know when we have more news.